MAM
Sharon Lydia Johnson joins Rippling as business recruiter
MUMBAI: In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate leadership, Sharon Lydia Johnson is stepping into a new role as business recruiter at Rippling, marking a significant career transition. Known for her impactful tenure as lead, people at WeWork India, Johnson’s move reflects her forward-looking approach to talent acquisition and organisational growth.
Her journey resonates with John F. Kennedy’s timeless words: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” With Rippling’s reputation as a dynamic HR tech platform, this shift not only aligns with her proven expertise but also signals exciting developments in the sphere of talent strategy and recruitment innovation.
Reflecting on her professional journey, Johnson expressed gratitude for her enriching experience at WeWork India, where she worked under the mentorship of Priti Shetty and Prasetha Pillai. “The growth, learning, and trust I experienced during my time at WeWork have been invaluable,” she said, acknowledging the leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping her professional path.
Now stepping into her role at Rippling, Johnson shared her excitement to work under the leadership of Saaquib Dawoodani. “I look forward to contributing to Rippling’s mission and playing a part in its continued growth. This opportunity marks an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to collaborate with my new team to create a meaningful impact.”
Her transition underscores the power of professional growth and mentorship, as she moves from a thriving position to a new opportunity filled with promise and purpose.
Brands
Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail reshuffles top deck; Nikhil Modha to take over as CFO
Phased transition sees Marco Agnolin head OWND!, Nikhil Modha lined up as CFO as company readies next growth leg
MUMBAI: Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail is redrawing its leadership map, lining up a new generation of executives across key roles as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
The company has named Suraj Bahirwani as chief executive (designate) of Pantaloons, effective April 1, 2026, with a full transition to the top role slated for October 1, 2026. He will also be designated as senior managerial personnel.
A two-decade veteran of the Aditya Birla Group, Bahirwani joined as a group management trainee in 2002 and has since held a string of leadership roles across retail and manufacturing. His resume spans stints at Aditya Birla Retail, a tenure as chief operating officer of Pantaloons, and most recently, head of global sales at the group’s cellulosic fibres business, where he drove international expansion and strengthened value-added portfolios.
Academically, he holds a PhD from the University of Mumbai, a postgraduate management diploma from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, and is a chartered accountant. Over the years, he has picked up multiple chairman’s awards, including distinguished achiever, exceptional contributor and accomplished leader.
The transition at Pantaloons will be staged. Incumbent chief executive Sangeeta Tanwani will continue until September 30, 2026, steering the handover before moving into an advisory role to the managing director from October 1, 2026. She is set to retire on January 31, 2027, at which point she will step down as whole-time director and key managerial personnel.
Alongside, the company has brought in Marco Agnolin as chief executive of OWND! and senior managerial personnel, effective April 6, 2026. Agnolin arrives with over three decades of global experience, having held senior roles at Inditex, where he helped expand Zara in Italy, and later served as chief executive of Bershka and Diesel. His track record spans fast fashion, brand turnarounds and youth-focused retail.
On the finance side, Nikhil Modha has been appointed chief financial officer (designate) and senior managerial personnel from April 1, 2026. He will assume full charge as chief financial officer and key managerial personnel from January 1, 2027.
Current chief financial officer Jagdish Bajaj will oversee a phased transition until December 31, 2026, before retiring and stepping down from his roles.
The reshuffle signals a calibrated succession plan rather than a sudden overhaul, with the company staggering exits and appointments to ensure continuity even as it refreshes leadership across verticals.
As Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail juggles legacy brands and new-age formats, the message is clear: steady hands for the present, sharper ones for the future—and no pause in the push for scale.
